Discusses enclosed MS of CD’s review [of G. R. Waterhouse, A natural history of the Mammalia, vol. 1 (1846); Collected papers 1: 214–17].
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Discusses enclosed MS of CD’s review [of G. R. Waterhouse, A natural history of the Mammalia, vol. 1 (1846); Collected papers 1: 214–17].
Hopes JDH can come to stay in January.
Thanks for the corallines.
Mention of JDH’s capital speech.
Can JDH come on 16 Jan? CD will ask the "old set" to come and also the Lyells.
Thanks JH for draft. Glad to hear account of farmhouse.
Discusses the geological origin of terraces.
Mentions R. I. Murchison’s paper ["On the superficial detritus of Sweden", Q. J. Geol. Soc. Lond. 2 (1846) pt 1: 349–81].
Comments on Tertiary beds of South America. Doubts that durable formations are now accumulating. Discusses formation of trap-rock. Notes effect of decomposition of lava; discusses action of submerged gravel on underlying rock.
Asks JM for information on sales of his Journal of researches and to procure for him a copy of the American edition. He is curious to see if the part on slavery has been altered.
Responds to LH’s comments on South America.
Thinks it unsound to designate a geological epoch after man. Doubts people’s confidence in date of man’s introduction.
Criticises A. D. d’Orbigny’s theory of elevation of the Cordillera.
Lists sections of South America of special interest.
No summary available.
Appears to be providing JH with the most recent news about JH's aunt Caroline.
Nearly a year has passed since they received letters from the Herschels. Hopes JH's health is improving. Gives news of her own children, and the work of her husband at Orange River. The Equatorial has arrived safely.
Indicates that JH is unaware of any such constellation as that to which CM has referred.
Is very pleased about FA's biography of JH's father, William. JH comments on what pictures of William Herschel might be available to be included in this biography.
Discusses possible meteorological and magnetic research possibilities in the colonies, particularly at Bermuda.
Thanks WS for the description of the Pulkowa Observatory. Remarks on the discovery of the new planet [Neptune], 'a most spirit stirring event.' Questions whether a small distant satellite of Jupiter could have escaped detection.
Seeking information to help JH prepare an obituary notice, for the R.A.S., of F. W. Bessel.
Sends some books in response to JH's request for information about F. W. Bessel [see JH's 1846-12-20]; GA's daughter Hilda is very ill.
Agrees reluctantly to serve as Foreign Secretary of R.A.S., but will be unable to attend most meetings. JH's [Cape Results] is nearing publication; needs to know where he can get the plate [of JH's portrait]. Urges that if J. C. Adams 'is medallized, it should be most cautiously worded so as not to bear the least allusion to that ugly word "priority."'
Does not want the R.A.S. to make any assertions with respect to priority regarding the discovery of Neptune: '...though Neptune ought to have been born an Englishman and a Cambridge man every inch of him,' you will never make 'an English Discovery of it do what you will.' States that [J. C.] Adams is owed much. If The R.A.S. throws down the gauntlet, this will do much 'mischief' and demoralize Adams.
Would not object if the [R.A.S.] council resolved to give J. C. Adams a medal, but the wording must be carefully considered, especially regarding the word 'discovery.' Presents a 'string of resolutions,' on how to deal with Adams and other contenders in the discovery of Neptune. Leave the question of priority for posterity. If the council sets up Adams as a competitor to U. J. J. Leverrier, JH will reserve to himself 'the privilege of protest.'
Clarifies his position regarding the resolutions on the R.A.S. medals relating to the discovery of Neptune. Is unwilling to urge that they be accepted by the R.A.S, but can live with them because they contain the truth and nothing 'improper or offensive.' Suggests that if the R.A.S. does adopt these, it may 'prove a more fatal apple of discord than any that has been thrown down among us for years.'